Bengal: CPI(M) Alleges Large-Scale Irregularities, Voter Intimidation in 6th Phase

Kolkata: Allegations of large-scale irregularities, including voter intimidation, snatching of voting rights by civic volunteers and home guards, false voting, ousting of Opposition agents were reported in West Bengal during the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections held on May 25.

In the Jangal Mahal areas of Bankura, Purulia and Jhargram, there were allegations that some former Maoists inducted in the civil police force and the home guard regiment of the state, were working in favour of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Left Front workers complained that their voters were prevented from going to the polling booths.

In Tamluk, there were reports of a “free for all” scenario, with no law and order machinery in sight, as TMC workers ousted CPI(M) agents from polling booths. CPI(M) candidate Sayan Banerjee said he had a hectic day running from pillar to post, talking to election observers, to ensure that his party’s polling agents were included in the polling process.

In the Nandigram Assembly area (Tamluk Lok Sabha), a fierce clash was reported between TMC and Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) workers, leaving three persons injured.

In Mahishadal, a TMC leader was allegedly hacked to death by the BJP men. Road blocks were reported in Keshpur and Garbeta area in the Chandrakona area in Ghatal Lok Sabha segment and well as in several Assembly areas in Bankura and in Jhargram, to prevent the quick response team of the Election Commission and observers from reaching the trouble spots.

As per local reports, TMC workers are alleged to have played the leading role, and the state police, which is supposed to maintain law and order, reportedly kept themselves aloof.

Despite assurances of a free and fair election, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) alleged widespread voter fraud during the sixth phase of polling on Saturday. Party state secretary Mohammed Salim claimed that the sanctity of the electoral process was compromised. He appealed to the Election Commission to ensure that voters were allowed to exercise their rights without intimidation or interference, but in vain.

Addressing a press conference at Muzaffar Ahmad Bhavan in Kolkata, Salim said: "The vote belongs to the people, not the government. The Election Commission must take measures to guarantee that people can vote freely."

Salim alleged that criminal elements had infiltrated polling areas in Jhargram, where attempts at rigging were evident from the beginning. He said complaints had been lodged booth-by-booth, highlighting malfunctioning of electronic voting machines and attempts to manipulate the electoral process in various locations, including Ghatal.

"In areas where polling is taking place (on Saturday), RSS, BJP, Trinamool and Maoists have killed many people. These murderers were given home guard jobs later," Salim alleged, adding that "it is hard to tell if central forces or state police are conducting the polls, given the widespread voter fraud."

The CPI(M) leader demanded that the Election Commission take action before the seventh phase of polling on June 1, to ensure a peaceful and fair election.

Reports of disturbances poured in from multiple locations across the state. In Tamluk, CPI(M) candidate Sayan Banerjee was seen engaging in heated exchanges with election officials over the phone. Salim also questioned the large gatherings within 200 meters of polling stations, contrary to regulations mandating security arrangements to prevent such gatherings.

The CPI(M) has condemned the violence and irregularities in polling areas such as Bankura, Keshpur, Nandigram, and Ramnagar. The party criticised both TMC and BJP, stating, "Trinamool says Suvendu (BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari) is responsible, while Suvendu blames Mamata Banerjee. Both created a free-for-all zone in Nandigram."

Salim further alleged that the Trinamool had mobilised people in Medinipur and Salboni, with specific booth numbers reported to the Chief Electoral Officer.

The allegations of voter fraud have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process as the state heads into the final phase of polling. The Election Commission is yet to respond to the CPI(M)'s allegations and calls for immediate action, Salim added.